While the nation’s digital economy has hit new heights, so too has the sophistication of cybercriminals. From high-tech AI voice cloning to psychological manipulation, the year was defined by a surge in “contactless” theft that cost Indian citizens crores of rupees. Security experts and law enforcement agencies have identified six primary methods that dominated the fraud landscape this year. Here is a look at the tactics that kept India’s cyber cells on high alert in 2025.
The Deepfake Crisis: AI Voice Cloning
Perhaps the most terrifying evolution of the year was the rise of AI-driven impersonation. Using just a few seconds of audio harvested from social media, scammers used AI to clone the voices of family members. Victims reported receiving frantic calls from “loved ones” claiming to be in police custody or involved in an accident, demanding immediate bail money. The emotional panic, combined with a voice that sounded identical to a child or spouse, led many to transfer life savings before realizing the person was safe at home.
Investment and Betting Apps
The allure of “get rich quick” schemes remained the most lucrative channel for fraudsters. Operating largely through WhatsApp and Telegram, scammers lured victims into fake investment platforms and betting apps. To build trust, “brokers” initially allowed users to withdraw small profits. However, once the victim was convinced to invest a substantial sum—often in the lakhs—the app would freeze, the customer support would vanish, and the money would be siphoned into offshore accounts.
Impersonation Scams
Workplace hierarchy became a weapon in 2025. This year saw a spike in “CEO fraud,” where employees received urgent messages from people pretending to be senior management. Using professional language and a sense of manufactured urgency, these scammers convinced subordinates to share sensitive OTPs, company credentials, or authorize “emergency” payments. The psychological pressure of defying a boss often bypassed the victim’s usual caution.
Fake Job Offers
In a fluctuating job market, scammers found easy targets in those seeking remote work. Social media platforms were flooded with “Work-from-Home” advertisements promising high pay for minimal effort. Victims were asked to pay a “registration fee,” “laptop security deposit,” or “training charge.” Once the payment was made, the “employer” deleted their profile, leaving the job seeker both unemployed and financially depleted.
Digital Identity Theft: SIM Swap Scams
While banking security has tightened, hackers found a workaround by targeting the source of the OTP: the SIM card. By using phished personal data, criminals convinced telecom providers to issue a duplicate SIM card in the victim’s name. Once the victim’s original SIM went dead, the attacker gained full control over their SMS and calls—including banking alerts—allowing them to reset passwords and empty accounts within minutes.
Fake Bank Alerts
The oldest trick in the book received a 2025 makeover. Phishing emails and SMS alerts, designed to look identical to official communications from major Indian banks, warned users that their accounts were “blocked” or “compromised.” Panicked users clicked on links to “verify” their identity, leading them to a cloned login page. By the time the user realized the website was a fake, their credentials had already been used to initiate unauthorized transfers.
How to stay safe in 2026
Cybersecurity experts emphasise that while technology changes, the psychological triggers—fear, greed, and urgency—remain the same. They recommend:
Verifying through a second channel: If a “boss” or “family member” asks for money, call them back on their known number.
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use authenticator apps rather than SMS-based OTPs where possible.
Reporting immediately: If you fall victim, call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in within the “golden hour” to increase the chances of freezing the stolen funds.
